Most people have heard of a Tummy Tuck nowadays, but what exactly is it? And which one is right for you? In this blog, we will discuss Abdominoplasty and it’s options in-depth.
Who is a Candidate?
- Those who have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the abdominal wall muscles.
- Anyone who is unable to tighten the abdominal wall and/or skin with exercise.
- Men or women who have significant stretch marks in their lower abdomen.
- Those whose bellybutton has lost its shape or is too high.
- Those who have prior scars on the lower abdomen that need revising.
What is an Abdominoplasty?
An Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of excess skin of the abdomen and tightening of the abdominal wall and its muscles. There are many types of Tummy Tucks depending on location, amount of excess skin, and whether or not there is any separation in the abdominal muscles.
Dia-What?
Diastasis Recti (also known as abdominal muscle separation) occurs (mostly) during pregnancy. It is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles that is equal to or greater than 2.7cm. This is often the culprit of the “pooch” that is mostly untreatable with anything other than cosmetic surgery.
TRY THIS: Not sure if you have diastasis recti or not? Try this – Lie down flat on your back, lift your shoulders about two inches off of the ground. Take a peek at your abdomen. Do you see an indent in the center of your abdominal muscles? (If you can’t see your muscles, repeat the instructions, but try flexing your abdomen as well and feel your abdominal muscles.) Can you feel a separation in the center of your muscles?
Types of Abdominoplasties include:
Mini Abdominoplasty
A mini is for those who have a small amount of excess skin, fat, or muscle separation is present within the lowest part of the abdomen.
- Belly Button: There will be no scar around the belly button due to the minor corrections needed for a Mini Tummy Tuck.
- Scar: You will have a scar starting at the inner edge of the hip bone across to the other inner edge of the hip bone. It will also be placed low enough to hide under underwear or bathing suit.
- Muscle Separation: Most patients who are candidates for Mini Tummy Tucks do not need any repair to the abdominal wall, but minor plication (tightening) is an option if needed.
Floating Abdominoplasty
A Float is for those who have a high belly button. It addresses the muscle wall and/or the lower abdominal skin if needed.
- Belly Button: There is no incision of the belly button in a Floating Abdominoplasty because the belly button is disconnected from the abdominal wall and “floated” to a lower location and reattached.
- Scar: You will have a scar starting at the outer edge of the hip bone across to the other outer edge of the hip bone. A bathing suit bottom or underwear will cover the low rise scar.
- Muscle Separation: A single, running suture rejoins your abdominal wall and muscles (AKA plication).
Standard/Full Abdominoplasty
A Standard or Full Abdominoplasty is for those who have significant excess skin of the abdomen and muscle separation.
- Belly Button: Attaining a taut tummy requires pulling the skin past your belly button. An incision within the inner part of the belly button will be made. As well as, an incision in the new skin above your belly button. They are sutured together resulting in a small scar along the edge of the belly button or within the belly button.
- Abdominal Scar: You will have a scar at the edge of your belly button or within your belly button. You will also have a scar starting at the outer edge of the hip bone across to the other outer edge of the hip bone. It will also be placed low enough to hide under underwear or bathing suit.
- Muscle Separation: A single, running suture rejoins your abdominal wall and muscles (AKA plication).
Extended Abdominoplasty
An Extended Abdominoplasty is for those who have significant muscle separation and excess skin of the abdominal area and excess skin or fat
- Belly Button: Attaining a taut tummy requires pulling your skin past your belly button. An incision within the inner part of the belly button is made. As well as, an incision in the new skin above your belly button. Internal sutures connect, forming your new belly button.
- Abdominal Scar: Like other Tummy Tucks, Dr. Egrari places your scar in the same location, but it will extend around the outer most part of your hips.
- If you have excess skin/fat of the flanks as well (“spare tire”), your scar will extend further in the back.
- Muscle Separation: A single, running suture rejoins your abdominal wall and muscles (AKA plication).
Above the Cut
Liposuction:
Dr. Egrari likes to compliment your new tummy with additional contouring. Which is why almost every one of his Abdominoplasties might include an option to add Liposuction. He creates a natural definition by etching the natural line that occurs in the center of the upper abdomen. In addition, He liposuctions the hips and flanks, creating a beautiful feminine shape.
Miscellaneous: The average tummy tuck is often accompanied postoperatively by a set of drains and pain for the first 4 days. Dr. Egrari has perfected his technique and his Tummy Tucks no longer require drains. He also uses Exparel, a long-acting numbing solution. He injects Exparel during your surgery. The numbing sensation lasts up to 72 hours after your surgery. This significantly reduces the need for narcotics.
For more information about our Tummy Tuck in Seattle and Bellevue please visit our Tummy Tuck page. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Egrari, our Board-Certified plastic surgeon in Seattle!
